The two leaders talked on the ongoing “Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic,” according to a statement from the PM’s office. Put another way, the Red Sea is now affected by the conflict in Gaza. The Houthis in Yemen, who receive support from Iran, have been attacking ships in the Bab el Mandeb strait in recent days.
The strait is located between Yemen and Djibouti at the southern end of the Red Sea, a strategically important but small body of water that divides North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with the Suez Canal at the northern end.With the intention of exacting revenge on Israel for its actions in Gaza, the Houthis have launched up to twelve attacks and declared open season on ships that are “Israel-bound”. Additionally, they have begun launching missiles into Israeli territory, with the city of Eilat being the target. It has been said that the attacks in the Red Sea are increasing at an alarming rate.
Source: The Times of Israel
The Houthis claimed to have launched strikes on two other ships earlier this week, one of which was a ballistic missile and drone attack. This is the most recent event. Shipping firms are terrified. Shipping companies have been compelled to divert vessels via the Cape of Good Hope due to the tensions, despite the Red Sea being a critical gateway for global supply lines.
Notably, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the start of a 10-nation “multinational security initiative” called Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard ships in the Red Sea the day before Netanyahu called Modi. It comprises the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain in addition to the United States.
Source: ABC News
According to Austin, the operation is under the jurisdiction of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational maritime alliance headed by the United States and stationed in Bahrain that patrols the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. India is one of the 39 members of the CMF.Earlier this week, the Indian Navy’s INS Kochi successfully evacuated an injured crew member from a Malta-flag ship that had been boarded by pirates close to the Somali coast, south of Bab el Mandeb.
Both INS Kolkata and Kochi are stealth missile destroyers that are stationed in the Gulf of Aden near the Red Sea.It’s possible that Delhi has been requested to assist with the Red Sea security initiative, even if the government hasn’t made any indication of this thus far. Any decisions that may put India against Iran, with whom Delhi enjoys friendly relations, should be carefully considered. Any choice to support one side in a fight on foreign soil by joining a military alliance must be discussed freely, in public, and supported by a significant portion of the populace.
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